THE IMPORTANCE OF THE HEALTH LITERACY INTERVENTIONS FROM SOCIAL WORK PERSPECTIVE

Abstract

Social workers can contribute to positive health outputs by planning and managing the initiatives aimed at increase in health literacy level. In this context, social workers are required to recognize clients with a low level of health literacy and to know about their needs and barriers. The knowledge and skills of social workers being an important part of interdisciplinary health team are important in terms of performing micro, mezzo and macro health literacy interventions. Micro level health literacy interventions are needed to provide the individuals with the information which they are in need of. Mezzo level health literacy interventions are important to ensure the efficient use of health resources. Macro level health literacy interventions are carried out to reduce health inequalities. The aim of this review study is to explain the importance of health literacy interventions in social work education. In order to achieve this goal, first of all, the relation between social work education and health literacy is explained. Afterwards, the micro, mezzo and macro health levels of literacy interventions are introduced. Consequently, it is important that the social workers have the competence to strengthen the patients and their families and to contribute to the development of health services and health personnel.